Jericho
Jericho – The World’s Oldest City
Travel through Bethlehem and its surrounding villages, where sacred history meets vibrant culture, landscapes, and hospitality.
Overview
Located in the Jordan Valley, near the banks of the River Jordan and just north of the Dead Sea, Jericho is celebrated as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with roots stretching back more than 10,000 years. Known as the “City of Palms,” it has been a fertile oasis for millennia, nourished by springs such as Ein es-Sultan. Jericho’s story unfolds across layers of civilization — from Neolithic settlements to Canaanite strongholds, from the days of Joshua and the prophets to Herod’s palaces and Byzantine monasteries.
This is a place where biblical history, archaeology, and desert beauty converge. Visitors can stand at Tell es-Sultan, where some of the earliest city walls in human history once rose, climb to the Mount of Temptation where tradition holds Jesus fasted, or descend into the dramatic canyon of Wadi Qelt to visit the cliff-hanging St. George’s Monastery.
Yet Jericho is not only ancient stones; it is also a living city where Palestinian families tend lush date palms, citrus orchards, and small farms that thrive even in desert conditions.
Despite ongoing challenges — restrictions on land, water, and movement due to the occupation — Jericho continues to welcome travelers with open arms. Here you will find not only ruins and monasteries, but also warm encounters with people proud of their heritage, ready to share their food, stories, and traditions. Jericho is more than a destination; it is a journey into humanity’s earliest memories and today’s resilience.
Why Visit Jericho?
Whether you come for faith, archaeology, or landscapes, Jericho offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Palestine:
- Walk Through Time: Stand at Tell es-Sultan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where some of the world’s earliest urban settlements were uncovered.
- Biblical Landmarks: Visit the Mount of Temptation, Zacchaeus’ Sycamore Tree, and the River Jordan baptism site at Qasr al-Yahud.
- Monastic Heritage: Explore the desert monasteries of Wadi Qelt, including the breathtaking St. George’s Monastery carved into the cliffs.
- Desert & Oasis Landscapes: Experience the unique contrast of barren hillsides and fertile groves of dates, bananas, and citrus.
- Cultural Encounters: Stroll through Jericho’s bustling market, sample famous Jericho dates, or ride the cable car up to the Mount of Temptation.
- Dead Sea Gateway: Use Jericho as a base to visit the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth, just a short drive away.
- Living Traditions: Meet local guides, artisans, and farmers who carry forward Jericho’s spirit of hospitality and endurance.
